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June 28, 2012 (DES MOINES, IA) — Planned Parenthood of the Heartland applauds the U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA is the greatest advancement in women’s health in a generation, and will have a profound impact on millions of women, men and their families.

The law will provide access to birth control and cancer screenings without co-pays, guaranteed direct access to OB/GYN providers without referrals, and an end to discriminatory practices against women, such as charging women higher premiums and denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.

“At Planned Parenthood we know how important this law is for women and families because we see the need for affordable health care every day,” said Planned Parenthood of the Heartland President and CEO Jill June. “Quality health care will now be available to millions of women who before had no coverage or inadequate coverage.”

The Affordable Care Act will have an impact on millions of American’s lives:

·More than 45 million women have already received coverage for preventive health screenings at no cost since August 2010.

·3.1 million young adults have been able to stay on their parents’ insurance. In the next year, millions more who would have otherwise lost coverage will continue to be insured under their parents’ plan.

·Women are guaranteed direct access to OB/GYN providers without a referral.

·Starting in August, birth control will be treated like any other preventive prescription and will be available without co-pays or deductibles.

As a result of the Affordable Care Act 17 million women will be newly insured.

“We are closer than ever to having access to quality health care for all. This is a major victory for all Americans,” said June.